Sorry I have been a bit MIA this week, but as I hinted in this post, I have been having a pretty tough week with my best friend, my kitty cat Nelly. I'm not really ready to talk about things, and quite honestly we still don't know exactly what is going on. But things like liver cancer, 2-3 months, bile acid tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, B12 injections, steroids, antioxidant pills, insulin checking, weight checking, feeding tubes, surgery and more have all been swirling through our tired heads this week. I know a lot of you have expressed concern via twitter and facebook and for that I want to say thank you. It means so much to me, my husband and Nelly to know that so many people are thinking of and praying for little Nelly cat.
And though I haven't cooked all week (thank goodness for Native Foods & Veggie Grill) I have been blending very quick smoothies during the day. I'm not hungry from all the crying, worrying and stress, but I know I have to eat nutritious foods to be alert to take care of Nelly and not leave her side. And the only reason I am writing this post is because she had such a good morning this morning, running around and eating like normal and even playing a little - so I felt positive enough to whip up this post. Plus I think she likes watching me act normal by type type type-ing on my laptop from the comfort of her kitty tent on the couch.
So today, I am sharing my favorite recipe from the "Calming Smoothies" section of my book. Click ahead for my Quiet Bluebird Smoothie + a few Nelly pics...
Best friends..
Princess Nelly is all that is on my mind this week...
Quiet Bluebird Smoothie
vegan, serves 1-2 - recipe from 365 Vegan Smoothies
1 cup fresh organic blueberries
¾ cup vegan yogurt**
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
½ cup ice (I like to use coconut water ice cubes)
drizzle of grade B maple syrup
**if you do not have vegan yogurt, you can sub with non-dairy milk and use frozen blueberries to add thickness. This yogurt adds a super smooth texture and also healthy probiotics that help calm a stressed tummy.
boost it: 1 tablespoon raw walnuts or a spoonful of ground flax seeds. Matcha green tea would also be a nice Zen-ergizing ingredient if you make this smoothie for breakfast.
To Make: Blend until smooth, serve.
But smoothies squeezed into my day are life savers. So I'm sharing a recipe from my book. (Below) Both stress-melting recipes on this page in my book are pretty wonderful, two of my faves..
And some pics of miss Nellster..
Now back to my Nelly time...
Erika says
I hope that Nelly is doing better. It is devastating when your pet (and family member) is ill. We lost our beloved cat 2 years ago at the young age of 7 to Kidney failure. Just a few months earlier she was found to have liver failure and needed a feeding tube inserted. For 6 weeks we fed her multiple times a day through the tube, at the beginning having to remove the mattress to get to her under the bed. She did recover well and had a great time enjoying the backyard of the house we just moved into (she spent most of her life as an aparmtent cat). Sadly, shortly after the birth of my son, she feel ill again. Despite all our efforts, we had to put her to sleep. It was heartbreaking but at least she was no longer suffering. It has been hard but we try to focus on all the happy memories. Wishing you all the best!
Kathy Patalsky says
Oh I'm so sorry Kathy. It is so hard. Crushes you for a while while you are going through it. I wish cats were more veggie-friendly like dogs. But meat seems to be what they crave and need. I do give my kitty some "green much" supplement to get some greens in her 🙂 It is a great product - works for dogs too.
Much love to you xo
Kathy LeRoy says
Your Nelly photos and loving words have me crying too. The photo of you two on the couch sleeping; my goodness it just breaks me apart. I will pray for her to beat this somehow. We're with you in this journey as our dear pet has been diagnosed with cancer too. I cook all of her food now, and she loves it. I am following a "doggie cancer diet", and who would have thought this big girl would have such a love of kale. 🙂 Best wishes to you and Nelly. <3
Antonella says
I meant "leave" (a typo, sorry)
Antonella says
Dear Kath,
🙂 guess what? 🙂 I am an happy owner of your superb 365 Vegan Smoothies book!!!
Finally the Amazon delivery reached my post-office, what a long wait for that parcel!
Thank you for this very masterpiece, I truly love it.
I will soon live my comment on the Amazon page.
A warm hug to you&Nelly
Susan G says
Nelly is beautiful. Bless you for being such a good fur-mom!! Thanks for the yummie smoothie tip!
Jen says
I have a sweet dog named Nellie (remember me, the Donnie Darko bunny critic?!?). I love the photo of your half face with her. Reminds me I've got to take some photos of me with my best friend. Their time with us is far too short! Good luck to you and your sweet Nelly cat 🙂
Kelli says
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I had 2 sick little ones last year, with cancer and heart failure... cardiologists and oncologists, and chemo and lots and lots of medicines. It's not an easy thing to go through, but we can have some peace in knowing that we were there for our best friends.
Kristina says
I can't see what I'm typing through all my tears right now, but I am praying for you and your sweet Princess Nelly Cat. Sending you both strength and hope. <3
LC says
aww she's beautiful1 prayers go out to you and your Nelly. animals are the best
Lisa@ChocolateMeetsStrawberry says
All the best to you and your furry feline friend Kathy! 🙂 Sending you positive energy!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
Your kitty is so lovely. Best to both of you.
Kristy says
So sorry to hear that Nelly is going through such a rough time. I am currently going through a similar situation with my old puppy lady. I never thought my dog would have her own cardiologist! My heart goes out to you and I'm sending good, healing vibes your way. xx
Heather McClees says
Praying for you and Nelly!!! I understand the love for a dear friend who happens to be a pet is one that can never be replaced. Love this smoothie too and your book is one of my favorites in my collection:)
Hallie says
I'm so sorry to hear about your Nelly! I lost my cat a year ago (at the ripe old age of 17) to a battle with thyroid disease. I couldn't help but tear up just at the thought of what you must be going through. I wish you and Nelly all the best, try to stay positive and know that so many people are sending positive vibes and thoughts your way. Give Nelly lots of love and extra hugs!
FoodFeud says
Aw, Nelly. What a sweetie. I can't imagine what you must be going through. Best wishes to her to get healthy soon.
The Vegan Cookie Fairy says
Best of luck to your cat, I hope she gets better! xoxo
Chris Hess Tovey says
Thinking of you and Nelly xo
Melanie says
Aww, she is beautiful. Looks just like my little guy Scooby, right down to the little patch of white between the eyes. I hope everything is ok with her. You guys are in my thoughts!
(And PS - I got your smoothie book when it came out last month and am loving all of these wonderful recipes. I've been sharing it and talking about it to everyone I know. Thanks for such an awesome book!)
xo, and my kitty kids, Molly & Scooby send their love too!
Josette Thompson says
I have been through this pain with my beautiful two little companions in the last few years, and I can feel your pain. Be strong and support your little Princess with love, as Nelly looks like a beautiful strong girl. I will keep both of you in my thoughts. Please keep updating us as we care. With best wishes and love.
John Hartil says
Cracking smoothie and I really hope things are not as bad as you are imagining
McKel Hill, MS, RDN, LDN says
I hope all is well with you and your little one. I know what you're going through, our pup actually got attacked my a pit bull a month ago and had to go into surgery yesterday for the after effects of leg damage. It's a challenge because they're like your very own. Best you two 🙂
Aneta Hajdus says
she's such a cutie ... keeping fingers crossed for you both girls 🙂
Julia @ Basket of Juls says
Sending more prayers your way! Nelly is so adorable and beautiful!
Livomac says
I's so sorry to hear about Nelly, me and my four kitties have our paws crossed for you all!!
Tara says
I am sending you and Nelly so many positive vibes. I've been through this a few times and there is nothing harder. Only fellow animal lovers and fur-parents truly understand! *hugs*
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
I'm so sorry to hear about Nelly. I went through a similar situation and it is so hard. I will keep you both in my thoughts.
Alicia @bakeaholic says
Awe- sorry to hear about your cat! This is one of my favourite smoothies from the book - love blueberry!
Marissa Rath says
Sending much love to you and your kitty!!
Kathy Patalsky says
Hi Amy, thanks yes Nelly is such a sweet little thing.
And yes I love green smoothies. I have plenty of spinach-infused blends in my book (365 vegan smoothies) as well as a few carrot infused blends. 365 to choose from, so I have plenty of variations in there. Your tip on steaming the carrots is a smart one!
Thanks for reading, glad you found my blog.
Amy says
I'm sorry about your kitty! I'm brand-new to the blog, but she looks so sweet. You can see it in her eyes.
Have you tried tossing in a big handful or two of greens into each smoothie you make? Something blue, purple, pink, or red could benefit from red cabbage (and if you google red cabbage smoothies, they're all gorgeous!) Anything with green ingredients or without strongly colored ingredients tastes sooooo good with a big giant handful of baby spinach! And my preference for smoothies that come out orange is just to toss in some chopped carrots. If your blender can't handle it, you could steam them ahead of time and toss them in cool.
Just a thought! 🙂
sailingsam says
yum and cute kitty
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks Lauren, Nelly sends you kitty hugs back.
Lauren says
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty! Thank you for taking the
time to update us, the two of you will be in my thoughts! ((hugs))